Uninvited Guests in the Pantry: How to Get Rid of Moths

Leave a bag of flour open for too long, and the next time you reach for it, a tiny moth flutters out.

Pantry moths are among the most common pests in kitchens and storage areas. They particularly like dry foods such as flour, nuts, legumes, or muesli. Fats, sugar, and coffee, on the other hand, usually don’t interest them. They’re persistent, but with the right tricks, you can eliminate them or stop the infestation before it spreads.

How to notice an infestation

Most of the time, it’s not the moths themselves but their tiny larvae hiding inside packaging. Signs include fine webbing, small clumps, or residue in dry goods. Because larvae can crawl through even the smallest cracks, products may already be infested when purchased.

Store food properly & discard infested items

If you spot webbing, don’t panic! Throw away infested food immediately, ideally sealed in a bag so the moths can’t spread. Never mix new products with old or half-full containers. Use airtight jars or containers with screw tops or rubber seals to prevent future infestations.

Clean thoroughly – here’s how

Once the food is gone, it’s time to clean. Vacuum cupboards thoroughly, including cracks and corners, then wipe them down with a damp cloth. The German Environment Agency even recommends a hairdryer trick: heat hard-to-reach spots briefly to kill off any remaining eggs or larvae.

Natural helpers against moths

If nothing else works, you can bring in some tiny allies. Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside moth eggs, stopping them from developing. They’re barely visible and disappear once no more moth eggs remain. These helpful insects can easily be ordered online and released in your kitchen. Alternatively, lavender, clove, or cedarwood oil can help keep moths away.

Keeping your pantry pest-free

Moths may be stubborn, but they’re manageable.

By discarding infested food, cleaning thoroughly, and storing items properly, you can quickly regain control and keep your kitchen moth-free in the long run.

Photo by Mikkel Frimer Rasmussen via Unsplash